Executive Director

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION, in the role of Executive Director of Northern California, you will report to the Vice President of Field Operations of CA and work closely with a regional advisory board. Your chief responsibility will be to inspire & manage a team and to provide leadership that focuses on Playworks’ three pillars of regional success: sustainable impact, sustainable teams and sustainable financials.

In this role, you will:

• Provide executive leadership for Playworks’ regional finances, leading the region’s strategies for fundraising, earned income, and board development.
• Design and implement a budget to accomplish the goals of Playworks in the region.
• Accurately forecast revenue and expenses for the region on an ongoing basis.
• Create and maintain a regional business plan with input from the region’s stakeholders.
• Oversee Playworks’ impact in the region with the regional leadership team, including program planning, implementation, expansion, evaluation and overall quality.
• Establish new school partnerships and maintain existing relationships with school, district, and community partners working closely with the Program Director.
• Establish new funding relationships and ensure we maintain strong existing relationships with funders working closely with the NorCal development team.
• Lead Playworks’ local team, collaborating with staff and board members to set and execute the regional goals and strategies through coaching, mentoring, and training.
• Work closely with the headquarters team and other regional Executive Directors throughout the country to share best practices and promote learning.
• Establish our organizational values, promote a fun and collaborative environment, communicate expectations, and nurture the unique strengths of each team member
• Represent Playworks in the region with like-minded organizations and institutions.

If you’re a good fit for this position, you already know most of what this job entails. However, to be sure we’re providing a complete picture, here are some details:

• You are committed to Playworks’ mission and vision to improve outcomes for children and schools through play. Success in the position will depend on your demonstrated record of success leading fundraising, managing a budget, and nurturing high performing teams.
• You will have a deep knowledge of the philanthropic landscape and public school system in the region, and an extensive professional network in the area.
• Your fundraising experience will include significant, verifiable achievements in all categories of philanthropy, including corporations, major donors, and foundations.
• Your prior leadership experiences and references should reflect a leadership style that is inclusive, adaptable, and brings out the best in a team.
• You will set the example for all of your region’s stakeholders and lead by it.
• You balance professionalism with a playful spirit, modeling the importance of play in building strong teams and relationships.
• You are passionate about creating spaces, whether virtual or in-person, where staff, partners and youth participants feel welcomed, valued and inspired.
• As the external face of Playworks you will have exceptional communication and relationship skills—the ability to listen, discern, think on one’s feet, inspire confidence, and speak and write persuasively on a daily basis with people of diverse interests and backgrounds.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong track record in fundraising, including the creation and maintenance of high-level relationships within the philanthropic community.
• Experience building external relationships with school districts, government agencies, and collaborative partners.
• Experience developing, directing, and leading teams (staff and board) with demonstrated excellence using outcome measurements and goal setting.
• Entrepreneurial self-starter and creative thinker with experience producing results in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, and dynamic environment.
• You must have outstanding communication skills-in addition to maintaining an open line of communication, you’ll demonstrate excellent communication skills, including good phone and email etiquette and the ability to facilitate small and large group presentations.
• Sufficient comfort and understanding with technology to use it to advance initiatives and improve operations.
• Passionate commitment to Playworks’ mission and vision to improve outcomes for children and schools.
• 10+ years as a successful leader in the nonprofit sector, government, private sector or education with proven visionary management and strategic planning capability.
• Flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment .
• Knowledge of the cultural and educational landscape of the region.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, advanced degree preferred.

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work, and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:

• This is a full-time exempt position with an expected salary of $148,400 that reports to the Vice President of Field Operations of CA and will be based in Northern California,
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k), employee funded pre-tax health and child care spending accounts.
• Generous Flex PTO policy with paid sick and holiday leave.
• You will join a dynamic team and workplace that offers remote working and other flexible work options.

The other things you need to know:

This position is remote, based in Northern California and requires regular travel to various Bay Area schools. Ideally this candidate resides in the Bay Area.

Ideal start date: October 1-15, 2025

To apply please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role
• Resume
• If we think you’re the right fit, we’ll request your references; there’s no need to include them at the outset

Typical Physical & Mental Demands: Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier and other office equipment. Ability to lift 30 lbs.

ABOUT PLAYWORKS, at Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by partnering with schools, districts, and after-school programs through services including digital engagement, on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support play, and consultative partnerships.

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities or board service on a merit basis.